- Tomatoes (crushed, can use canned tomatoes for convenience)
- Leeks (optional, finely sliced)
- Vegetable broth
- Milk or heavy cream
- Potatoes (for mashing, optional but creamy chowder texture)
- Cheese (shredded Cheddar, Gouda, or a blend of both)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Bay leaf (1-2 whole leaves)
- Thyme (fresh or dried, for flavor)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter
Incorporating these ingredients into your recipe can help you create a delicious and comforting Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper, and add fresh herbs like thyme for an extra burst of flavor!
Steps
### Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder Recipe
#### Introduction to Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
Looking for a comforting, hearty soup that's packed with vegetables and cheese? Our easy cheesy vegetable chowder recipe is perfect for any season! This creamy soup is straightforward to make but delivers rich flavors from a blend of fresh and frozen vegetables. It’s great as a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on cooler evenings.
#### Ingredients Needed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and green beans)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
##### Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Stir in zucchini slices, red bell pepper, and frozen mixed vegetables.
5. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
##### Step 3: Prepare the Broth and Sauce
6. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juice).
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
8. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and dried thyme.
##### Step 4: Blend and Season
9. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer to a regular blender and return to pot).
10. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
##### Step 5: Incorporate Cheese
11. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
12. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheddar is completely melted.
#### Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of broth.
- You can add more vegetables like corn, green beans, or cauliflower to increase vegetable content.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping!
#### Conclusion
This easy cheesy vegetable chowder recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. It's perfect for meal prepping and can be customized based on your preference. Enjoy a bowl of this creamy comfort food today!